West Virginia Agromedicine Program
This program integrates applied, basic, and clinical sciences focused on health and safety issues involved in modern agriculture, including farm families and environments, workers in agriculture-associated industries, and consumers of agricultural products.
Who is it for?
The program is to benefit nurses, physicians, physician’s assistants, public health practitioners, other health service providers, university researchers, Extension outreach educators, representatives from all levels of government, people involved with agribusiness, students, and farm family members.
Where is it?
In West Virginia, the Agromedicine Program currently resides at the WVU Health Sciences Center and Safety & Health Extension in Morgantown and at the Marshall University School of Medicine in Huntington. Program participants comprise West Virginia University, Marshall University, the West Virginia Farm Bureau, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health.
Healthcare professionals, farmers, and consumers of agricultural products can find answers to specific questions as close as their telephone by calling 800-626-4748. This toll-free number will put callers in touch with up-to-date information and resources.
Goals of the program are to:
- establish a comprehensive medical and educational outreach approach to rural, farm safety, and health professionals in West Virginia
- develop a practical and comprehensive understanding of the hazards associated with agricultural occupations
- provide information to answer questions for the prevention, recognition, and management of rural health issues
What can it do for you?
- Provide educational information on safe agricultural practices and preventive health measures
- Support the system of emergency medical response for agricultural accidents and injuries
- Provide consumer information about food safety and proper use of agricultural commodities and products
- Improve understanding of risks and provide intervention strategies for agricultural workers and their families in areas such as:
- Acute poisonings and health concerns associated with ag chemicals
- Family stress and violence
- Airborne pollutions and lung diseases
- Special health and safety concerns for rural residents, youth through adults
- Issues related to natural diseases
Committee Members
- Scottie Ford
West Virginia Department of Agriculture, 304-558-2209
- Tracy Smith
Marshall University School of Medicine, 304-696-7255
- Bill Aiken
West Virginia Farm Bureau, 304-472-2080, Ext. 14
- Jerry Yates
West Virginia University, College of Agriculture and Forestry, 304-293-4832
- Tom Stockdale
West Virginia University Extension Service, 304-293-3096
- David Workman
West Virginia University Extension Service, 304-538-2373
- Bill Murray
West Virginia University School of Medicine, 304-293-3963
